CAMPAIGNERS vowed to “continue the fight” to keep Oxford’s stadium after developers launched an appeal over a failed homes plan.

They spoke after Galliard Homes launched the appeal over its unsuccessful bid for 220 homes on the site of the Sandy Lane stadium.

Oxford City Council rejected the plans – to flatten the former speedway and greyhound stadium – on January 8.

But the independent Planning Inspectorate will now make a final decision with a public hearing expected for the Town Hall.

Campaigners said they were not surprised by the appeal and would contnue to fight to get back greyhound racing.

The stadium closed in December 2012 after owners the Greyhound Racing Association said it was no longer financially viable.

Kennington’s Mick Wheble, 64, a stadium worker for 30 years, said: “It’s expected. We thought they would do that.

“All of us will now write to the Planning Inspectorate. We will take representatives to the Planning Inspectorate and make our feelings known. We are going to fight it all the way. It’s a vital community asset for the people.”

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith – who backs the campaign – said: “It is vital that the views of the public are heard.

Comments (4)

For the sake of the dogs I am hoping racing will never return to Oxford. Perhaps some people are thinking the industry has cleaned up its act. Think again. The facts and figures are covered in a new 155-page publication free to access on the internet: Behind the Lights, the Tote and the Non-starters. It makes for grim reading and includes an interview with a past Oxford Champion.

For the sake of the dogs I am hoping racing will never return to Oxford. Perhaps some people are thinking the industry has cleaned up its act. Think again. The facts and figures are covered in a new 155-page publication free to access on the internet: Behind the Lights, the Tote and the Non-starters. It makes for grim reading and includes an interview with a past Oxford Champion.ZoonPolitikon

Danny A wrote:
A Velodrome would be an awesome facility, particularly for the kids and perfect for this site. Funding from British Cycling would be available if the community and council get behind a bid.

It would indeed.

Unfortunately there is a good history of Oxford "Activists" protesting about the development of leisure facilities outside the ringroad.

[quote][p][bold]Danny A[/bold] wrote:
A Velodrome would be an awesome facility, particularly for the kids and perfect for this site. Funding from British Cycling would be available if the community and council get behind a bid.[/p][/quote]It would indeed.
Unfortunately there is a good history of Oxford "Activists" protesting about the development of leisure facilities outside the ringroad.Andrew:Oxford

All should be aware that Risk Capital purchased the GRA in 2005 including several stadiums that are being serially run down to allow for a change of use into housing developments. These stadia are viable if in the ownership of greyhound racing, speedway and other enthusiasts. Oxford Council have seen through this.

All should be aware that Risk Capital purchased the GRA in 2005 including several stadiums that are being serially run down to allow for a change of use into housing developments. These stadia are viable if in the ownership of greyhound racing, speedway and other enthusiasts. Oxford Council have seen through this.bishbosh